ChiFlutes

ChiFlutes is an aptly named flute quartet made up of four exceedingly silly flutists living in Chicago. The members include James Brinkmann, Stephanie Burke, Dana Joras, and Maria Schwartz-Basile. ChiFlutes specializes in performing varied programs of new arrangements and compositions, including works by member, Dana Joras.

Bios:

James Brinkmann, a Chicago teaching artist, creates interactive recitals to enhance audience’s musical connection. He teaches at the Merit School of Music and is assistant faculty at the Northern California Flute Camp. He plays second flute in the Northbrook Symphony and was a prize winner in the 2012 and 2013 NFA Orchestral Excerpts Competition. BM DePaul University. Teachers: Christina Smith, Mary Stolper, and Lisa Byrnes. innovativeflutist.com

Stephanie Burke completed her master’s degree at Boston University, studying with Geralyn Coticone, and her undergraduate degree at Syracuse University, studying with Deborah Coble. She was invited to perform J.S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 with the SU Wind Ensemble and has performed in masterclass for Trevor Wye and William Bennett.

Dana Joras is a published composer with ALRY Publications, her works for flute recognized and awarded by the National Flute Association and International Piccolo Symposium. She is a recipient of the Musicians Club of Women Farwell Trust Award and the Jonathan Myall Piccolo Prize. Dana studied at the Royal Academy of Music with Sam Coles and Patricia Morris and DePaul University with Mary Stolper. danajoras.com

Maria Schwartz-Basile is second flutist with the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra and New Philharmonic. She earned degrees from the Cleveland Institute of Music studying with Joshua Smith and The Crane School of Music with Kenneth Andrews. As a trained Suzuki teacher, Maria is on faculty at DePaul's Community Music, St. Edward School and Luscombe Music.